This year, The Verdict newsroom has done incredible things. From the digital articles to the four print publications, junior and senior reporters and editors went above and beyond to deliver the news to Cardozo and beyond. Students attended two conferences — one at Baruch College and one at Columbia University — as well as won several awards such as the New York Press Association’s Best News Website and Youth Journalism International awards.

To wrap up the year, reporters reflected on their time spent working on the school paper.

“Being on The Verdict revealed a world that I was once blind to. Through this small publication, I developed a strong bond with the school community and grew a deep understanding and awareness of the current state of the globe. I would still be walking around without a care if it weren’t for this newspaper.” 

– Zoey Huie

Being on The Verdict allowed me to expand on my career path. This experience was one I’ll never forget. I enjoyed being open with my peers and meeting new people. The skills I have learned from working at The Verdict will be used in my future. I appreciate Mrs Gutterman, the Senior editors, the up and coming Senior class as well as the students who were patient enough to be interviewed. The Verdict allowed me to connect with my current and new peers I hadn’t even thought of interviewing, however as they say, ‘Everyone has a story’ and The Verdict allowed me to experience that quote.

– Melanie Gonzalez

“While I’ve been in the journalism program for all 4 years, The Verdict still gave me opportunities to meet new people and experience new things. If it weren’t for this class, I wouldn’t have had the courage or the motivation to write, and I don’t think I could’ve cultivated the skill that I have now. I watched The Verdict go from its experimental beginnings, to winning multiple awards within the span of one year. None of this would’ve happened if it weren’t for Mrs. Gutterman and I’m beyond grateful to have had the pleasure of being taught by her. I’m proud to have been able to witness The Verdict grow from its roots, and I’m so excited to see what the future generation of writers come up with in the coming years.

– Celia Liu 

Being on The Verdict helped me explore a new hobby and interest in journalism. Despite this being my first year on The Verdict I felt so welcomed to the class. I have had some great memories in this class and have enjoyed every second of writing articles and getting to express my creativity in writing. I never realized how much I really enjoyed writing and reporting but I do know for sure that this new skill I have will not go to waste and I will never let go. Thank you Miss Gutterman for being the great teacher you are so open and friendly and always making me feel so comfortable. I will miss you lots and hope whatever I do in the future will make you proud of me.

– Jason Torres 

The Verdict has provided me with many opportunities and new experiences that I am extremely grateful for. This class has allowed me to not only allowed me to improve my writing skills but also allowed me to go on various trips where I learned new skills and met new people. While my writing skills are still lacking in certain areas, I feel as if they have greatly improved since last year when I first joined The Verdict. I have grown to take great pride in The Verdict, and can not be more proud of how much it has grown from where we first started. None of this would have happened without Mrs. Gutterman and her incredible dedication to the class and program. She is an amazing advisor and teacher who goes above and beyond for her students and program. Her guidance and presence has not only made my time on The Verdict enjoyable, but my overall experience in Cardozo more memorable.

– Crystal Wang 

Being on The Verdict showed me how journalism is a very flexible field. This class allowed me to write about topics that I knew were important to me and many people in the school. I was able to contribute to the school in ways I know many of my peers wished they could. I was able to take ideas from my peers and accomplishments I achieved with them, and share it to the whole school. The Verdict raised my confidence in writing and journalism as a whole. It felt like a real production and a real job where our work was posted on a website. I would wait to see when my article was posted and see my name attached to it. This class also helped me build confidence in speaking to people to get information, and write about it – another aspect of journalism I grew in. I’m excited to now contribute to the annual Year Book next year for the Class of 2026.

– Fatima Mukhtar

Being on The Verdict helped me feel more apart of my school community and be able to see so many different perspectives of so many different people. It helped me become a better writer and strive to learn more about journalism. It helped me discover an interest in journalism and I actually had to much fun.

– Makena Hannam

This year working on The Verdict was a wonderful experience for not only me but hopefully for everyone who worked on it. It was a class that allowed everyone to explore into uncharted territory on some occasions and be more involved in what’s actually happening around our school, and around the world. This class helped me learn how to find a voice in my writing and have more creativity and freedom when it came to writing articles. It taught me how to converse smoothly and ask more questions, which to me, is an important skill to develop sooner in your life. This class has done nothing but benefit me in several ways and everything I learned from being a part of The Verdict is something that I will be able to use eventually during some part of my life which is why I will always be grateful that I was a part of this class.

– Nathan Singh

Joining The Verdict was a great experience. I learned how to write accurately and unbiasedly, which I had previously struggled with. I was also able to write on a wide range of topics, such as Humans of Cardozo, World News, Arts & Entertainment, and much more. The articles I wrote over the course of the year led to me learning more about our own school environment, as well as the current world around me. I’m incredibly grateful for my time on The Verdict and for Mrs. Gutterman, who had so much to teach us. I gained so much valuable knowledge about the field of journalism, continuing to fuel my love for it. I am excited to return as a senior editor next year in The Verdict.

– Mariana Prieto 

When I first joined The Verdict, I was kinda scared a little I didn’t know what I was going to write about and or if my opinions and articles would even get seen but a time went on I got better and better as a writer thanks to Ms. Gutterman and the senior editors and I enjoyed my time in that verdict room filled with opinions and funny random memories as a junior going on to becoming a senior.

– Rose Crawford

Being in The Verdict this year has been a fun, memorable, and refreshing experience. I got to write about different topics as a journalist, which exposed me to new perspectives and distinguishing the difference between unbiased and biased information. In addition to this, I got to experience what being in a newsroom was like. It was completely different from what I had thought, and I can proudly say this is an amazing class for writers who are fueled by creativity. I highly recommend to any underclassmen who are eyeing this class!

– Katie Zhang

Being on The Verdict has been such a great experience. I enjoyed writing about things that matter to students and sharing their voices. It helped me feel more connected to my school community and stay updated on what was going on. Writing for the newspaper also helped me become a better writer by teaching me how to express my thoughts clearly and meet deadlines. I’m proud to have been part of something that brings our school together.

– June Maxume 

Having the opportunity to be a part of The Verdict has been such an eye opening experience. My writing progressed significantly since becoming a Junior Reporter and I have become more aware of the world around me. I’ve paid closer attention to the news and current events in hopes of finding a story to cover and I am more educated on topics I had no knowledge about beforehand. Having a glimpse into the life of a journalist has led me to consider this as a career path since both the creative and academic side of my brain work together to create a compelling article. I take pride in being a part of this program and writing for The Verdict this year.

– Rachel Mohan

Being able to participate in The Verdict has been a great experience. As a person who is interested in journalism in the future. This class really helped grow my skills. Being a journalist and socializing with people really helped me with my social skills. Sharing people’s stories and experiences is something truly remarkable, and if I could redo it again, I would 100 times.

– Alexandrea Fannell 

 

Joining The Verdict has been a great platform to express myself and advocate for students as well myself .We should all be heard, no matter the age, gender, sexual orientation, race or anything else that society uses to put us in categories. I am beyond grateful to Mrs.Gutterman for all the passion and hard work that she continuously pours into this program and I would recommend The Verdict to everyone with a story .

– Madison King 

Being on The Verdict this year allowed me to learn so many things. I enjoyed writing about the topics that people are interested in and also creating new bonds whenever I would write an article with another person. I learned how to be a better writer, and I am now able to use that skill in the yearbook class of 2026 next year.

– Jenny To

Being on The Verdict has shown me skillful attributes that I thought I never had. It showed me how to avoid being biased on certain topics and to always consider both sides of the story, rather than focusing solely on one side. I had an engaging time with friends discussing various topics, competing on different topics, and overall coming as one community to make the best out of our school. It was cool to publish amazing articles for everyone to read, including the school staff, people from around the world, and even the school itself. It taught me how to get better as a writer and as a person. I gained much more experience going to different events, interviewing different people, and being closer to the community of Cardozo. I appreciate Ms. Gutterman for making this class intriguing, friendly, and welcomed. I am so glad I took this class due to the amount of excitement and aspects you can do daily. Go Journalism!!

– Yusuf Rahimi

Being on The Verdict allowed me to not only improve my writing, but learn more about the world around me and the people of Cardozo. I gained so much knowledge from this class, and I’m excited to apply it for the mere future. 

– Yashika Bhatia

Being on The Verdict made me understand the hard work and dedication that this class has. It has taught me teamwork, patience and commitment. Picking this class was a big achievement. I can’t wait till this verdict had big and better things.

– Khloe Camacho 

While on The Verdict, I’ve had such a fun year. Being on The Verdict has been such an honor. This class has taught me to appreciate the life I have going on, as we work hard to tell others what’s going on around us. Writing in this class was more fun than I originally thought, especially with my favorite teacher. I can’t wait to see where this goes!

– Isis Irizarry 

This chapter’s wrapped, but the story’s still going. I’ll be here for whatever comes next.

– Greg Injoyan

The Verdict has taught me many things pertaining to writing, it has been an enjoyable semester, and I’m sad to see it come to an end.

– Nathaniel Hammond